Beverage dispensing apparatus lever arm assembly for a mechanical self closing beverage dispensing faucet

ABSTRACT

A beverage dispensing apparatus includes a faucet having a faucet body, a inlet and an outlet, and a faucet actuating portion. The faucet actuating portion includes a substantially flat body defining a lever portion aperture formed therein. The faucet body is at least partially interposed within the lever portion aperture. The actuating portion is selectively rotated about an axis for connecting the inlet in fluid communication with the outlet such that fluid flowing from the inlet to the outlet will flow through the lever portion aperture.

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application 61/223,690 filed on Jul. 7, 2009, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure relates generally to dispensing liquids, and specifically to an apparatus and method for improving the dispensing of liquids.

BACKGROUND

Traditional beer tap faucets have been manually operated where a lever is required to be manually manipulated to open the faucet to provide a liquid flow and manually manipulated to stop the flow. Recent developments in beverage dispensing have provided a beer tap where a lever is required to be manually manipulated and biased in a direction to open the faucet to provide a liquid flow and when the lever is no longer biased in the direction, the flow will stop as the faucet closes. Generally, these faucets may incorporate a spring to close the faucet upon lever release. However, since the lever is above the faucet body and the outlet of the faucet is below the faucet body, operation of the faucet requires one hand to operate the lever and a second hand to hold the container that catches the liquid from the faucet.

What is needed is an apparatus for operating a beer tap faucet with a single hand. A favorable apparatus would permit a user to hold a container for catching liquid from the faucet while operating the faucet for both opening and closing of the faucet.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings are illustrative embodiments. The drawings are not necessarily to scale and certain features may be removed, exaggerated, moved, or partially sectioned for clearer illustration. The embodiments illustrated herein are not intended to limit or restrict the claims.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a faucet.

FIG. 2 is a perspective exploded view of the faucet of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a partially sectioned view of the faucet of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment, with portions removed for clarity of illustration.

FIG. 3A is an enlarged view of a first lever taken from the line of view 3A-3A in FIG. 3.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the faucet of FIG. 1, in a dispensing configuration with the closed configuration illustrated in phantom.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the faucet of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment, with portions removed for clarity of illustration.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the faucet of FIG. 5 in a dispensing configuration, with portions shown in phantom for clarity of illustration.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is a partial sectioned view taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 7, with section lines removed for clarity of illustration

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 5, with portions removed for clarity of illustration.

FIG. 10 is a side view of the apparatus of FIG. 7.

FIG. 11 is a top view of the apparatus of FIG. 7, illustrated in an interim state of manufacture.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a method of use of the faucet of FIG. 2, illustrated with a transparent container.

SUMMARY

An actuating lever is provided to improve the ease of dispensing a liquid.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1-4 illustrate an embodiment of a faucet 20. With specific reference to FIG. 3, the faucet 20 includes a faucet body 22 defined by an inlet 24, an outlet 26, a shaft bore 28, a faucet seat 30, a threaded inlet connection surface 32, a generally annular first surface 34, a fluid passageway 36, a bonnet protrusion 38 defining a lever aperture 40, a generally spherical lever guide surface 42 and a bonnet connecting threaded surface 44. As illustrated, the fluid passageway 36 extends between the inlet 24 and the outlet 26 for fluid communication therebetween. In the embodiment illustrated, the faucet body 22 is constructed of brass, although other suitable materials, such as stainless steel, may be used, as desired. The faucet 20 also includes a faucet shaft 50 having a shaft axis A-A, a first lever 52, a bonnet 54, a disc portion 56, a collar 58 (FIG. 2), and a biasing portion 60, as discussed in greater detail below. In the exploded view of FIG. 2, the faucet 20 is illustrated to further include a handle 62. In the embodiment illustrated, the first lever 52 is constructed of stainless steel, although other suitable materials, such as brass, may be used, as desired.

As illustrated, the shaft 50 includes a first end 70 and a second end 72. The first end 70 is defined by a generally cylindrical guide portion 74 having an actuating slot 76 formed therein. The second end is defined by a threaded disc connecting surface 78 formed on a shaft central member 80. The shaft central member 80 extends from the guide portion 74 to the threaded disc connecting surface 78. Further, a biasing portion connecting aperture 82 is formed in the first end 70 of the shaft 50. As best seen in the partially sectioned view of FIG. 3, the shaft 50 is interposed within the shaft bore 28 such that the guide portion 74 will guide axially along the shaft bore 28. In the illustration of FIG. 2, the shaft 50 is rotated about 90 degrees to illustrate the actuating slot 76 in clearer detail.

As best seen in FIG. 2, the first lever 52 includes a first end 100 and a second end 102. The first lever 52 also includes a shaft actuation portion 104, a generally spherical fulcrum portion 106, a lever collar 108, and a threaded portion 110. The shaft actuation portion 104 is formed at the first end 100 and is selectively interposed within the actuating slot 76. The threaded portion 110 is formed at the second end 102 and extends toward the first end 100.

The bonnet 54 includes a generally spherical inner surface portion 120, an inner threaded surface 122, and a lever aperture 124. The generally spherical fulcrum portion 106 is guided by the generally spherical inner surface portion 120 to permit rotation of the first shaft 52 relative to the faucet body 22, generally about the axis B-B (FIG. 3). The lever aperture 124 has sufficient clearance with the first lever 52 to permit selected rotation thereof. With reference to FIG. 3, the first lever 52 extends through the lever slot 124 as the first lever 52 is rotated in a first rotational direction F and a second rotational direction R. When rotating the first lever 52 in the first rotational direction F, the shaft actuating portion 104 urges the shaft 50 in the axial direction P. When rotating the first lever 52 in the second rotational direction R, the shaft actuating portion 104 urges the shaft 50 in the axial direction S. With reference to FIG. 3A, the threaded portion 110 includes a relatively flat side portion 128

The disc portion 56 includes a generally hemispherical disc mounting portion 130 and a disc 132. As best seen in FIG. 3, the disc 132 is axially moveable along the shaft axis A-A to seal with the faucet seat 30. In the embodiment illustrated the disc 132 and the faucet seat 30 include mating frusto-conical surfaces, although other suitable shapes may be used, as desired. The disc mounting portion 130 includes an internally threaded surface 134 for coupling to the threaded disc connecting surface 78.

In the embodiment illustrated, the biasing portion 60 includes a connector 140, a first cap portion 142, a biasing member 144, and a second cap portion 146. The biasing member 144 is a helical spring, although other suitable biasing members may be used. The connector 140 is secured within the biasing portion connecting aperture 82 to permit the connector 140 to urge the shaft 50 in the direction S.

During operation of the faucet 20, the first lever 52 is rotated (as a user exerts a force) in the first rotational direction F generally about the axis B-B as the shaft 50 is guided toward the direction P relative to the faucet body 22. As the shaft 50 is guided toward the direction P relative to the faucet body 22, the disc 132 will lift from the faucet seat 30 to permit a liquid (not shown) to flow therebetween. Also as the shaft 50 is guided toward the direction P relative to the faucet body 22, the biasing member 144 is deflected such that the biasing member 144 will urge the shaft 50 toward the direction S.

When the user no longer exerts the force, the shaft 50 is urged in the direction S by the biasing portion 60 until the disc 132 contacts the faucet seat 30 as the first lever 52 is urged to rotate in the second rotational direction R from the open position OP to the closed position CP (FIG. 4).

In the embodiment illustrated, the faucet 20 is a self-closing beer tap faucet, although other types of faucets may be used. Specifically, a conventional beer tap faucet may be used with the

FIGS. 5-12 illustrate a second lever 150. The second lever 150 includes a substantially flat body 152 defining a lever portion aperture 154 formed therein. Briefly, as best seen in FIGS. 5, 6, and 12, the faucet body 22 is at least partially interposed within the lever portion aperture 154 when the second lever 150 is coupled to the faucet 20. Further, the second lever 150 is selectively rotated about the axis B-B for connecting the inlet 24 in fluid communication with the outlet 26 such that fluid flowing from the inlet 24 to the outlet 26 will flow through the lever portion aperture 154, as discussed in greater detail below.

The second lever 150 also includes a faucet mounting tab 156 attached to an upper portion 158, a lower portion 160, a first interconnecting member 162, and a second interconnecting member 164. The lever portion aperture 154 defines an inner edge 166 of the second lever 150. As will be apparent in the description of operation, the lower portion 160 may be deleted with the first interconnecting member 162 and the second interconnecting member 164 forming the bottom of the second lever 150.

As best seen in FIG. 10, the upper portion 158 is formed at an angle α relative to the remainder of the body 152. With reference back to FIGS. 7 and 9, the faucet mounting tab 156 includes a first lever attachment aperture 170 formed therein. In the embodiment illustrated, the first lever attachment aperture 170 is a generally circular opening that includes a generally straight edge 172. The edge 172 results in the aperture 170 having a “D” shape for coupling with the threaded portion 110 (FIG. 3A), thereby restricting relative rotation between the first lever 52 and the second lever 150.

As best seen in FIGS. 5 and 6, when the second lever 150 is attached to the first lever 52, rotation of the second lever 150 in the first rotational direction F will cause rotation of the first lever 52, and rotation of the first lever 52 in the second rotational direction R will cause rotation of the second lever 150. Accordingly, the faucet 20 may be operated by applying a force to the second lever 150 for rotating the second lever 150 in the first rotational direction F to open the faucet 20, and when the force is no longer applied (released) the biasing member 166 will close the faucet 20. FIG. 5 illustrates the faucet 20 generally in the open position OP and FIG. 6 illustrates the faucet 20 generally in the closed position CP (FIG. 4).

As best seen in FIGS. 7 and 8, a first container guard 180 may be coupled to the edge 166 of the first interconnecting member 162 and a second container guard 182 may be coupled to the edge 166 of the second interconnecting member 164. Each corner guard 180, 182 includes a guard body 190 defined by a first end 192, a second end 194, a first edge 196, a second edge 198, an outer surface 200, an inner surface 202, and a central portion 204. In the embodiment illustrated, the container guards 180, 180 are made of a Polybutylene Terephthalate (PET), although other suitable materials may be used.

The container guards 180, 180 are formed such that the first edge 196 and the second edge 198 are brought together as the central portion 204 is deformed. In one embodiment, the first edge 196 and the second edge 198 are in contact after the container guards 180, 180 are formed and prior to installation of the container guards 180, 180 on the second lever 150. During installation, the first edge 196 is moved away from the second edge 198 and the guard is placed on the edge 166, as illustrated. This installation method forms an interference fit that retains the container guards 180, 180 on the second lever 150 during use of the second lever 150.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and/or 11, the body 152 may be laser cut or stamped from a single piece of sheet material and is defined by an overall height of H1+H3, an overall width of W1, and a thickness T. The lever portion aperture 154 is defined generally by a height of H2 and a width of W2. The faucet mounting tab 156 is defined by a height H3 and a width W3. In the embodiment illustrated, the second lever 150 is constructed of a stainless steel, although other suitable materials may be used.

With reference to FIGS. 5, 6, and 12, a bumper guard 210 is installed on the outlet 26 of the faucet 20 to prevent any damage that may be caused by contacting a glass container with a metal outlet. FIG. 2 illustrates another embodiment of a bumper guard with a nozzle to regulate flow. In one embodiment, the bumper guard 210 is polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic, although other suitable materials may be used.

FIG. 12 illustrates one embodiment of operating the faucet 20 with the second lever 150. In this embodiment, a user will grasp a container C having a lip L with a single hand (illustrated in phantom as H) and position the container C adjacent the faucet 20. The user will then move the container C toward the second lever 150 to contact a portion of the container C with a portion of a second lever 150. As shown, the lip L of the container 150 contacts the guards 180, 180, if installed. Then the user will urge the container C to move generally in the direction D to cause the second lever 150 to rotate generally about the axis B-B, thereby opening the faucet 20 and dispensing a liquid through the faucet 20.

In the embodiment illustrated, the second lever 150 has dimensions where W1 is about 2 inches, W2 is about 1.188 inches, W3 is about 1 inch, H1 is about 5.636 inches, H2 is about 3.375 inches, H3 is about 1.011 inches, T is about, and α is about 80°. As illustrated, the lever portion aperture 154 width W2 is sufficient to permit the second lever 150 to rotate relative to the faucet body 22.

The preceding description has been presented only to illustrate and describe exemplary embodiments of the methods and systems of the present invention. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to any precise form disclosed. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims. The invention may be practiced otherwise than is specifically explained and illustrated without departing from its spirit or scope. 

1. A beverage dispensing apparatus, comprising: a faucet having a faucet body, a inlet and an outlet; and a faucet actuating portion having a substantially flat lever body defining a lever portion aperture formed therein, wherein the faucet body is at least partially interposed within the lever portion aperture, and the actuating portion is selectively rotated about an axis for connecting the inlet in fluid communication with the outlet such that fluid flowing from the inlet to the outlet will flow through the lever portion aperture.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a first guard coupled to an edge of the lever portion aperture.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a second guard coupled to an edge of the lever portion aperture.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a guard coupled to the outlet.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the faucet includes a faucet lever at least partially interposed within a slot formed within a faucet shaft, and wherein the faucet actuating portion and the faucet lever selectively rotate relative to the faucet body during operation of the faucet.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5, further comprising a faucet disk selectively sealed with a faucet seat for restricting flow of a fluid, wherein the faucet disk is coupled to the faucet shaft for axial movement therewith.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising a biasing member for axially moving the faucet shaft.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the faucet actuating portion includes a faucet attachment tab formed at an angle relative to the lever body.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the angle is about 80 degrees.
 10. A method of dispensing a liquid, comprising: positioning a container adjacent a faucet; contacting a portion of the container with a portion of a dispensing lever; urging the container to move generally in a first direction to cause the dispensing lever to rotate generally about an axis.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein contacting a portion of the container with a portion of a dispensing lever includes contacting a lip of the container to the portion of the dispensing lever.
 12. The method of claim 10, wherein contacting a portion of the container with a portion of a dispensing lever includes contacting a guard portion of the dispensing lever to the lip of the container.
 13. The method of claim 10, wherein rotating the dispensing lever includes axially translating a faucet shaft within the valve body.
 14. The method of claim 10, further comprising opening the faucet by the action of urging the container to move generally in the first direction to cause the dispensing lever to rotate generally about the axis.
 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising rotating a faucet lever generally about the axis.
 16. The method of claim 14, further comprising axially translating a faucet shaft within the valve body. 